FAQ About Name Tags

The best networking investment you can EVER make costs about $15. This investment  can TRIPLE your networking success…what is it?  A Custom Name Tag.

Whenever I teach a workshop, the subject of name tags always provokes a lot of discussion.  I thought I would touch on some of the thoughts & questions that come up. 

Q. I work for a large Mortgage company that is very well-known.  I know that some people see “Mortgage” on my name tag and and just walk on by… I’m sure they are thinking “I don’t need a loan right now so why should I bother?”. What should I do? 

A. Well, the first thing that comes to mind is… to thank them for not wasting your time!  I have seen that happen first hand.  At a speed networking event the man next to me got  up from his seat saying he did not need to talk to another financial planner!  She was very offended by his rude behavior.   First…there will always be people who do not “get it”.  They have never been taught the true nature of networking and relationship-building as well as the universal law of “Give and ye shall receive”.  Keep in mind the personality traits you are looking for in a business relationship (“Link”).  You want someone who is open-minded, creative, generous, thirsty for knowledge, naturally inclined to a balanced exchange, etc. The person who would discount another person without being introduced, is NOT the type of person you are looking for.  They just saved you from wasting your valuable time that could be better spent with someone who has better connection skills. You could always choose to skip the name tag if you REALLY feel like it is holding you back..but I suggest to wear it proudly and attract the people you really want to work with.

Q. I belong to a Chamber of Commerce that provides name badges for their members.  Is that good enough?

A. That is very common.  You will also see that in the larger networking groups.  Usually the group/chamber name & logo is in large, bold lettering.  The purpose of the badge is to promote the group, not you. A guest can easily make the mistake of thinking you are an employee of the organization.  I have seen that happen more than once.  Being identified as a member of the group is a positive association, of course, but I favor either:

1. A different configuration of the name tag: YOUR BUSINESS NAME. Your Name; Chamber Name,
2. A smaller, separate lapel pin indicating you are a chamber member, or
3. A ribbon attached under your name tag saying MEMBER

That said, attending a networking event for the purpose of representing an organization is a strategy that is viable.  For example, when I was a member of Leads Club, often I would attend events with the intent to promote the networking group.  The “pre-qualifying questions” I would ask revolve around the type of business they were and how they marketed themselves.  It was an easy exchange since I was not promoting myself.  Of course, the type of people who would do well in a networking group would think to ask about my own business that I promoted within the group.  This might be a good strategy for someone who is in an industry that is very well represented at most events.  It provides another angle for connecting. Again, that is a strategy. If you want to avoid any confusion as to who you represent, wear your own nametag.

I visited a networking group where a member supplied blank stick-on nametags for the guests to write their own name.  However, this member printed their own logo in the upper left corner.  At first, I could not figure out why there were so many guests from “ACME Insurance” (name has been changed to protect the guilty).

Q. I own a small design firm. The business name does not indicate what industry I am in and it is not a commonly recognized name. Should my industry be on the name tag?

A. It’s not necessary, but you could add it if you want to.  People are looking for a reason to connect and seeing a name they don’t recognize could give someone the opportunity to inquire, “What type of business is Jones & Associates?  And the connection is made. People have only a few seconds to visually scan a tag while moving through the crowd.  A third line on a name tag would just be more information to read.

Q. I’m unemployed and looking for a job. Should I wait until I find a job to get a custom name tag?

A. No need to wait. A custom name tag will always look more professinal than a paper one, even if it has only your name. If you are looking in a specific industry or position, you can put that on your name tag.  Judy Jones, Marketing professional, (Sales Representative,  Information Technology, Technical writer)

Q. What about those lighted, scrolling name tags? Do you think they are effective?

A.  They are noticeable, but a little on the gimmicky side. One woman placed her tag in the middle of a very well-supported V-neck sweater…which is an awkward location to stare while waiting for the whole message to scroll by (perhaps that was her intent).

Aside from the placement, it depends upon what type of business you’re in.  If your business relies on creative gimmicks it might give the right image, but for professional services, I would say no.    

Think of the KISS strategy…(Keep It  Simple, Sweetie). 

1. Dark font on plain white background
2. Your business name larger and above your name
3. Stay away from metallic surfaces – they can mirror overhead lights, making them impossible to read.
4. The lettering should be large enough to read from 10 feet away (or even just across the table). 
5. The name tag should go on your right lapel, making sure that it is not covered up by long hair, a jacket or scarf.   

Order Yours TODAY! A custom name tag gives you your best chance at a winning return on your networking investment. I used to recommend that you go to an office supply store to order them (yeah…when you get around to it) but now they can be easily ordered online at NameTag.com. We have arranged special pricing for our readers..You won’t find a better deal…